THE CITADEL

School of Humanities and Social Sciences

Department of Modern Languages, Literatures and Cultures

Spring 2014

French 424-01French Literature of the Twentieth Century

Tues/Thurs 9:30-10:45 Capers 211

Instructor: Dr. Alison T. Smith

Office: 234A Capers Hall

Phone: 953- 7092 (work)

216-8389 (home-no calls after 8:30 PM)

Email:

Office hours: MWF 10:00-10:50; MW 2:00-2:45 and by appointment

Texts required:

Alcools by Guillaume Apollinaire

Le Voyageur sans bagage by Jean Anouilh

Huis clos by Jean-Paul Sartre

La Chute by Albert Camus

L’Amant by Marguerite Duras

Course description and objectives:

This course offers an examination of major works of French literature of the twentieth century within their historical and cultural context. We will explore the traditional literary genres of poetry, theater and the novel as well as intersections of these genres with the form of cultural expression that was new in the twentieth century, the cinema. By the end of the course, students will have knowledge of major trends in the French literature of the twentieth century. They will be able to discuss these works according to literary genre, historical context, and cultural impact. Progress in achieving these goals will be monitored on tests and writing assignments given throughout the semester. An assessment of these objectives will be included on the final exam.

Attendance:

Class attendance is required. Students with excessive absences will not pass the course. Absence from class does not exempt the student from responsibilities, and work that is handed in late may not be accepted. Tardiness to class is also unacceptable, and habitual tardiness will result in a lowering of the final grade. There are NO MAKE-UP EXAMS. To request an exception to this rule, you MUST contact the professor prior to the exam for your request to be considered.

Translation Programs: Use of online translators, translation software, etc. is cheating and will not be tolerated. Using an online dictionary to look up the meaning of individual words or expressions is allowed. Please consult with the professor if you are using such a dictionary for your assignments.

Electronic devices must be turned off and put away during class. Failure to do so will have a negative impact on your participation grade. Laptop use is discouraged. If you must use a laptop, it should be for taking notes for French class. Anything that interferes with your full engagement and participation in class will have a negative impact on your participation grade.

Homework:

Students should complete written assignments and readings for classon a daily basis. Students must complete all work assigned by the instructor. The instructor will collect written assignments in addition to any oral assignments to be prepared for class. Only partial credit will be given for any assignment that is handed in late.

Participation:

Students are expected to prepare thoroughly for each class and to participate actively in French during class. An evaluation of your participation in class is an important component of your grade, and your participation grade will be measured by consistent classroom efforts, a consistent effort to communicate in French, and attendance.

Grade distribution:

Class participation and preparation (includes quizzes and pop quizzes) 20%

Homework (oral presentations and written assignments) 15%

Rédactions 15%

Tests 30%

Final exam 20%

Grading scale:

A 90 - 100

B 80-89

C 70 - 79

D 60 - 69

F 59 and below

All students are expected to adhere to the Honor Code. Students should be aware that violations include any type of cheating or copying of exams, quizzes, homework, and compositions, in addition to the use of online or other translation programs previously mentioned.

Any student eligible for and needing academic adjustments or accommodations because of a disability should speak with the instructor during office hours or outside of class.

SCHEDULE OF TESTS AND FINAL EXAM

Jan 13-17 /

Introduction

Jan 20-24 / Apollinaire / MLK observation 1/20
(no class)
Jan 27-31 / Apollinaire;
le surréalisme
Feb 3-7 / Anouilh / Rédaction 1 2/4
Feb 10-14 / Anouilh
Feb 17-21 / Anouilh, Sartre / Examen I 2/18
Feb 24-28 / Sartre
March 3-7 / Sartre
March 10-14 / Camus / Rédaction 2 3/11
March 17-21 / Camus / Spring break brings
after class on 3/21
March 31- April 4 / Camus
April 7-11 / Duras / Examen II 4/8
April 14-18 / Duras
April 21-25 / Duras
April 28 / Review for final / Rédaction 3 4/28

EXAMEN FINAL: Thursday, May 1 at 8:00AM (0800)